Getting started
Information on buying second hand computers, getting an internet account, surfing safely, and training on using the Internet and computers.
Getting a computer
Computer Access New Zealand Trust (CANZ) supports recycling computers for schools and the community. They maintain a list of CANZ accredited recyclers.
Molten Media Community Trust is a local Christchurch organisation that recycles and refurbishes old computer equipment.
Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
Consumer provide a list of criteria to think about before choosing an ISP, and interactive ISP price guide.
Netguide Net Directory has information on where to get connected, with contact details and links to each providers site.
Be Safe Online
Not all information you find on email or the Web is necessarily true, even where it's provided with the best of intentions. Sometimes it's sole purpose is to defraud you. The following websites contain information about how to use the World Wide Web and email safely.
Your rights for online shopping is Consumer's guide to shopping on the Internet.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs guide to Internet Shopping includes Shopping tips, Before you buy checklist, Paying for the goods, If things go wrong.
Click 'n buy is Consumer's guide to Online Auctions.
Internal Affairs' Censorship and the Internet provides information on online safety, child safety online and censorship and the Internet.
NetSafe, the website of the Internet Safety Group of New Zealand, provides comprehensive information for parents, schools, kids, community groups, businesses and others about using the Internet safely.
Scamwatch is an online service operated by the Ministry of Consumers Affairs to warn New Zealand consumers about specific types of financial scams from overseas sources.
The Internet Tourbus gives you the scoop on computer viruses, search engines, spam, cookies, urban legends. Net gurus Bob Rankin and Patrick Crispen explain Internet technology in plain English and with a dash of humour.
The Virtual Chase Evaluating the Quality of Information on the Internet: Researchers should evaluate the quality of information appearing online or in print based on five criteria — scope of coverage, authority, objectivity, accuracy and timeliness. This guide defines the criteria, documents incidents of questionable, false or fraudulent information as reported in the news or trade literature, provides examples of Web sites that illustrate good or bad information, and suggests strategies that help you detect bad information.
Free Online Training on Using the Internet
English Online Internet Tutorial is an online Internet tutorial developed by UNITEC Insitute of Technology.
The BBC's Webwise Online Course has 10 key sections to take you through the Internet basics in a simple and easy to follow format.
Learn the Net from About.com offer lots of self-contained lessons on mastering the basics, surfing the web, building a website and more.
Your local community education centre, Seniornet or other community group may also have free sessions on using the Web and email.